Bright Lemon Sticky Buns with Zesty Cream Cheese Glaze

Ooey, gooey lemon sticky buns are a delightful treat, offering a light, refreshing, and utterly delicious experience! The vibrant lemon cream cheese glaze elevates them to an extraordinary level, making them an unforgettable breakfast or dessert.

I must confess, my expectations were initially modest when I first embarked on making these lemon sticky buns. I was on a quest for a fresh, exciting twist on the beloved cinnamon roll for an upcoming breakfast gathering. However, I harbored a bit of skepticism, wondering if lemon could truly create a sweet roll as irresistible as a classic ooey-gooey cinnamon roll, or even rival the deliciousness of my cherished orange sweet rolls.

The Unexpected Delight: Why These Lemon Sticky Buns Reign Supreme

As you might infer from the fact that I’m sharing this recipe (and if you know me, I only post the absolute best from countless culinary experiments), let me state unequivocally: these bright, light, and refreshingly tangy lemon sticky buns are nothing short of outrageously delicious. They don't just meet expectations; they soar far beyond them.

When asked what makes them so exceptional, I immediately point to the lemon-zested buttermilk dough. This particular dough, adapted from a beloved buttermilk cinnamon roll recipe, provides an incredibly soft and tender foundation, infused with subtle citrus notes that brighten every bite. But that's only part of the story.

Then, there's the filling—a glorious concoction of buttery, sugary, fresh lemon goodness. This vibrant core bursts with an unspeakably delightful lemon-sugar flavor that lingers on the palate, creating an almost addictive quality. It’s the kind of taste that makes you want to savor every single morsel, forever.

And I would be remiss if I didn't lavish praise upon the ethereal, luxurious lemon-spiked thick cream cheese glaze. This decadent topping isn't just a simple frosting; it's a luscious blanket that seeps into every swirl and crevice of these fabulous little rolls, ensuring a perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite. It truly brings the entire creation together, making each sticky bun a masterpiece of flavor and texture.

So, to sum it up: lemon sticky buns are simply spectacular. And yes, you absolutely need to make them!

Shape Matters (Or Does It?): A Debate Over Perfection

My only minor regret after tasting these heavenly rolls was wishing I had shaped them using the clever twist-method employed in those exceptional orange sweet rolls. That particular technique adds an extra layer of visual appeal and might, I thought, take this lemon version completely over the top, making them even more stunning.

However, my insightful husband, mid-way through devouring his third lemon sticky bun, wisely remarked, "I honestly can't see how the shape has anything to do with the taste; don't change a thing." And there you have it. The ultimate judge, a discerning palate focused purely on flavor, declared them perfect as is.

So, while I might still ponder the aesthetic benefits of a twisted roll, the true connoisseurs of taste affirm that the flavor journey remains paramount. I'll leave it to you to decide if you want to experiment with shaping should you venture into creating these culinary delights.

Mastering Your Lemon Sticky Buns: Tips for Baking Success

Achieving bakery-quality lemon sticky buns at home is entirely within reach with a few key considerations:

The Dough: Foundation of Flavor and Texture

The buttermilk in the dough is crucial for tenderness and a subtle tang that complements the lemon. Ensuring your buttermilk is warm (not hot!) helps activate the yeast effectively. When kneading, resist the urge to add too much flour. A slightly tacky, soft dough is what you're aiming for. Over-flouring can result in dry, dense rolls, which we want to avoid for that signature ooey-gooey texture. The lemon zest infused into the dough itself lays the groundwork for the bright citrus flavor throughout the roll.

Perfect Proofing: The Art of Patience

Dough rising is a critical step. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for your dough to double in size. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Don't rush this process; a slow, steady rise contributes to a superior texture and flavor in the final product. Covering the bowl with greased plastic wrap prevents a dry crust from forming, allowing the dough to rise evenly.

The Zesty Filling: A Burst of Citrus

The lemon filling is where a lot of the magic happens. Combining granulated sugar with fresh lemon zest and rubbing them together with your fingers is a vital step. This action releases the fragrant oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with intense lemon flavor. This zesty sugar mixture, combined with a touch of nutmeg and fresh lemon juice, creates a potent and aromatic filling that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the dough and glaze.

Shaping and Baking: Achieving Golden Perfection

When rolling out your dough, aim for an even rectangle to ensure uniformly sized buns. Spreading the softened butter and then the lemon filling evenly ensures every part of the roll gets a burst of flavor. Rolling the dough tightly helps create those beautiful swirls and keeps the filling neatly tucked inside. Be mindful not to overbake your buns. They should be just lightly golden on top, as overbaking can dry them out. The goal is a soft, moist interior.

The Decadent Glaze: The Finishing Touch

The lemon cream cheese glaze is the grand finale. Ensuring your cream cheese is softened makes for a smooth, lump-free glaze. Whisking the cream cheese with lemon juice first helps create a creamy base before incorporating the powdered sugar. The consistency should be thick enough to cling to the buns but still spreadable. Don't forget that final sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top for an extra aromatic flourish and visual appeal. Frosting the buns while they are still slightly warm allows the glaze to melt slightly and seep into the crevices, enhancing their gooey texture.

Variations to Explore

While the classic lemon sticky bun is undeniably perfect, you can always experiment with variations. Consider adding poppy seeds to the dough or filling for a classic lemon-poppy seed twist. A hint of cardamom in the filling could add an exotic note, or perhaps a sprinkle of finely chopped candied ginger for a warm, spicy kick. You could also swap out lemon for other citrus fruits like orange or lime for a different, yet equally delightful, flavor profile.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These lemon sticky buns are best enjoyed warm, ideally shortly after being glazed. The warmth enhances their softness and the way the glaze melts into every nook and cranny. They make an exquisite addition to any breakfast spread, a decadent brunch centerpiece, or a luxurious afternoon treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. To store any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to restore their freshness.

Lemon Sticky Buns with Lemony Cream Cheese Glaze

Yield: 12 buns

Prep Time: 1 hour 25 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 1 hour 50 mins

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Ingredients

Dough:

• ¾ cup buttermilk, warm (microwave for 1 minute on 50% power)
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 large eggs
• 3 ½ to 4 ½ cups (497 to 639 g) all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 lemon, about a tablespoon
• ¼ cup (53 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt

Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup (212 g) granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon, about a tablespoon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, softened

Lemony Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, light or regular, softened
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, from 1 lemon
• 1 cup (114 g) powdered sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon, about 1 tablespoon

Instructions

1. For the dough, whisk the warmed buttermilk and melted butter together in a large liquid measuring cup. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook (or a large bowl for hand mixing), combine 3 ½ cups of flour, lemon zest, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the buttermilk mixture and eggs. Mix until the dough comes together, approximately 2 minutes. Increase the mixer speed to medium. If the dough remains very sticky and hasn't pulled away from the sides of the bowl, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it clears the bowl but remains slightly tacky.
3. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-6 minutes with a mixer (or about 10 minutes by hand). Avoid over-flouring to prevent dry rolls; the goal is a soft, slightly tacky dough that springs back when gently pressed but doesn't leave excessive residue on your hands. For a visual guide, refer to this yeast dough tutorial.
4. Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover the top tightly with greased plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, typically 1-2 hours, depending on your kitchen's temperature.
5. While the dough rises, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
6. Prepare the lemon filling: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub the mixture between your fingers until the zest oils are released and the sugar is fragrant. Stir in the ground nutmeg and fresh lemon juice until well combined. The aroma should be incredibly enticing!
7. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly greased countertop. Gently press or roll the dough into an approximate 16- by 12-inch rectangle. It doesn't need to be perfectly precise.
8. Spread the softened butter evenly across the entire surface of the dough. Then, sprinkle the prepared lemon filling mixture over the butter, spreading it as evenly as possible. Again, perfection isn't necessary.
9. Starting from one of the long ends, tightly roll up the dough in the style of a cinnamon roll. Pinch the seam firmly to seal it shut. Carefully cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
10. Arrange the cut buns in the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan, placing three buns across and four buns down. Cover the pan loosely with greased plastic wrap and let the buns rise again in a warm place until they are very puffy and their sides are touching each other.
11. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Uncover the risen buns and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they are very lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry rolls.
12. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before frosting. For the best experience, I recommend frosting them when they are still a bit warm.
13. To prepare the lemony cream cheese glaze: In a medium bowl, whip the softened cream cheese and lemon juice together with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. (A high-speed blender can also achieve this consistency quickly).
14. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until it is thoroughly combined and smooth.
15. Spread the luscious glaze evenly over the warm lemon sticky buns. Finish by sprinkling with the remaining fresh lemon zest for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

Buttermilk: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own. Here is a guide for making a simple buttermilk substitute.

Lemons: This recipe typically requires three average-sized lemons. You will use the zest from all three, and the juice from about two, depending on their size and juiciness.

Author: Mel

Course: Bread, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Method: Bake

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 Bun

Calories: 439 kcal

Carbohydrates: 65g

Protein: 8g

Fat: 17g

Saturated Fat: 10g

Cholesterol: 89mg

Sodium: 408mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 32g

Recommended Products

Bosch Universal Stand Mixer

Dough Rising Container

9X13-inch Metal Baking Pan

Recipe Source: Inspired by a recipe at The Kitchn (utilizing this delicious buttermilk sweet roll dough and making slight alterations to the filling).

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In conclusion, these lemon sticky buns are more than just a recipe; they are an experience—a testament to the power of fresh, vibrant flavors and the joy of homemade baking. They offer a refreshing departure from traditional sweet rolls while delivering all the comfort and indulgence you could ever crave. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to be utterly enchanted by the zesty, sweet, and undeniably gooey perfection of these lemon sticky buns.